The Atlanta Falcons have named Michael Penix Jr. the starting quarterback for Thursday's Week 3 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. The Falcons were blown out, 34-3, by the Carolina Panthers on Sunday and the quarterback play was abysmal.
Penix has been out tearing his ACL against the Panthers in Week 11 of the 2025 NFL season. It was Penix's third career ACL injury, and he was rightfully cautious as he worked his way back.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski met with the media on Monday afternoon but said he needed to speak with his players before declaring the starter for Thursday night. It appears Stefanski had that conversation and determined Penix was ready to go.
The former first-round pick will look to secure the Falcons' first win of the season
against the Packers in Week 3.
Over 14 career games (12 starts), Penix has passed for 2,757 yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions. While Penix had an up-and-down year in 2025, he was playing great against the eventual NFC South-champion Panthers before suffering his injury.
The Falcons' Week 3 game against the Packers starts at 8:15 p.m. ET on Thursday night in Green Bay.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons name starting QB for TNF game vs. Green Bay Packers
